2020 was challenging to say the least: Here is a status report from club activities. The club basically broke even for the year. We didn’t have our usual big fundraisers: April auction and our June tournament. For the Gil Hamm event we were able to cover most expenses with help from National Muskies Inc. Membership in our club declined slightly, but national membership increased. Big fish replica went to Alex McLean with a 55-incher.
Our Bemidji DNR has had very good success with their 3 stocking ponds. However these ponds weren’t utilized in 2020 due to covid. The DNR had such success in 2019, that the excess went to 2020 planned lakes in our area. The DNR is hopeful that missing a year won’t have much long term effects on our area lakes. Even more important to practice safe release of any muskie caught.
Our 23rd annual Bemidji/Cass Tournament is on for June 19th, 2021. We are evaluating using the Fish Donkey app for this tournament, due to covid and because fishing apps seem to be the trend moving forward for all fishing events. If you have suggestions or input, please let me know. Hopefully we can have an actual in person award presentation, with food and raffles. We will have to wait and see. Things that wont change is we will still give away a youth license for paid entrants under 18 years of age and a scholarship donation to BSU Aquatic Studies program.
The Gil Hamm Memorial Challunge will be held again on the Bemidji/Cass Lake chains again. The dates will be September 15th thru 17th, headquarters at Ruttgers again.
Finally, if you were a member at one time, please consider becoming a chapter member once again. Please sign up on the MI website.
Chris Thury, Chapter 46 President
